President Mahama’s Commitment to Reviving Ghana’s Sporting Glory
In a candid reflection on Ghana’s declining sports sector, President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged the country’s diminished standing in the international sports arena. In his recent State of the Nation Address, delivered on February 27, Mahama conceded that Ghana’s once-proud sporting legacy has faded over the years, with the nation now struggling to regain its former glory.
Ghana was once a beacon of excellence in various sports, with notable achievements in football, boxing, athletics, and the Olympics. However, the country’s performance in recent years, particularly in football, has raised serious concerns. The disappointing outcome in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers — where the Black Stars failed to secure a spot in the tournament for the first time in 20 years — has compounded the situation. This marks the latest chapter in Ghana’s prolonged slump in football, following poor showings in the 2021 and 2023 AFCON tournaments, where the national team failed to progress beyond the group stages.
In his speech, President Mahama highlighted the critical juncture at which Ghana’s sports sector finds itself. “Ghana’s sports sector, once again, which was a shining example of excellence within Africa, now finds itself at a very critical juncture. Historically, our nation has been celebrated and has had remarkable achievements in boxing, football, and athletics. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case,” he stated.
The president also emphasized the structural challenges plaguing Ghana’s sports development, from inadequate funding and
Source: Ghana web